Baines and McCarthy back in contention for the weekend

Everton will welcome back Leighton Baines and James McCarthy from injury for the visit of Swansea City, Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

The manager told the media at his pre-match press conference that the duo are both fit and available having recovered from hamstring problems.

McCarthy suffered his injury after what Koeman feels was a premature return to action for Ireland following groin surgery while Baines hasn't featured since September.

McCarthy's return in particular is timely given Gareth Barry's suspension this weekend — he serves a one-game ban after picking up five yellow cards for the season.

"They started training last weekend," Koeman told evertontv. "Then they had the Monday session, the Tuesday, today, tomorrow and then, ok, that's enough sessions to be available for the weekend."

Reader Comments (22)

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Charles McCann 1Posted
17/11/2016 at
15:46:56

Great news. Love both these players. McCarthy needs a run of games alongside Gana. Baines is a class act and will definitely add to our attacking strength against Swansea.

David Connor 2Posted
17/11/2016 at
16:02:22

McCarthy is a crock and has been largely disappointing for the last 2 seasons. Baines is way past his best but has bin a great servant for the club over the years. Wrap them both in cotton wool and get rid in January.

McCarthy will never be able to string a run of games together and Leighton's once dependable body seems to be getting the better of him... Sad but true, I'm afraid.

Franny Porter 3Posted
17/11/2016 at
16:21:04

For me:

Stekelenburg (best of a below average two).

Coleman (still have faith in him to come back to form)Baines (see above)Williams (best of the four CB's on the books)Funes Mori (better currently than an out of form Jagielka who looks nervous to me)

Gueye (no question)Barkley (play a bit deeper)

Lennon (deserves a shot ahead of Mirallas or Deulofeu on the wing)Bolasie (best winger at the club)

Delefeou (behind Rom)

Lukaku (who else?)

Can't fail...

Chris Gould 4Posted
17/11/2016 at
16:33:13

After watching the full press conference it's very easy to see how Koeman's words get twisted and sensationalised. His English is very good, but he does struggle to put into words some of what he's trying to get across. Just listen to how he responds to the safe standing question. He clearly had no idea what the reporter was asking.

I think he also explained satisfactorily what he meant when previously answering questions on Lukaku's future. That was completely taken out of context.

He also referred to everything as 'we'. Maybe that criticism can also now be put to bed?

Mark Morrissey 5Posted
17/11/2016 at
17:32:07

Well said, Chris. I'd be very pleased to see Bainsey back and Macca if fit.

Alan Bodell 6Posted
17/11/2016 at
17:41:42

I liked the bit where he said he expected a drop after the first few games (intimating that what he had wasn't enough) and that there would be signings next window so that should light a few fuses up a few arses.

Dermot Byrne 7Posted
17/11/2016 at
18:18:37

We will look back at this team soon with a mixture of nostalgia and patronising humour!

Joe O'Brien 8Posted
17/11/2016 at
19:42:59

Great that both of them back. Would put Baines straight back in. I'd give Tom Davies the nod over MacCarthy in replacing Barry. He's our future. If he doesn't get a good run this weekend, we won't see him much this season.

Jay Harris 9Posted
17/11/2016 at
19:58:52

I think they both need to go straight back in.

Without Barry we need an established team who are used to playing together.

Flat back 4 with Williams and Jags... and Lukaku, Bolasie, Mirallas up front.

Ross to complete the midfield with Gueye.

I would also give Robles a chance until January.

He seems to be the only keeper on the books who is able to keep clean sheets.

Tony Abrahams 10Posted
17/11/2016 at
20:15:06

A midfield of Davies, Gana and McCarthy, with Bolasie and Lennon, on the flanks please.

Modern football is all about energy and workrate, and we can always put Barkley, Mirallas or Delafoe on, when either the opposition tire, or the game begins to get stretched.

Conor McGregor 11Posted
17/11/2016 at
21:17:49

I like to see 3 or 4 changes for Swansea game at weekend:

Joel in goal, probably wont happen do. Captain Coleman at right back with Williams, Funes Mori and Baines. Midfield five of Lennon, Davies Gana, Barkley, Bolaise and Lukaka up front.

A good old Moyes / Dogs of War 4-5-1. 1-0 will do... back to winning ways hopefully.

Alan Bodell 12Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:15:07

Tom Davies would terrify Swansea with his energy alone, he just never stops and with his control and vision I'd love to see the young lad given a go at them.

In the games I've watched him, he goes from right back to left wing then back to the middle non-stop, I really think this lad is the real deal.

Tony Dove 13Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:26:08

I would be very disappointed if Davies does not start on Saturday and it would say a lot about Koeman if he doesn't. I don't want to jump the gun too much but is Koeman really just a Dutch version [with money] of Moyes?

Brian Garside 14Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:28:32

What about Dowell behind Rom?

Ray Roche 15Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:33:12

Tony, I've mentioned on a couple of threads that Saints fans were critical of Koeman for not using their Academy players, something Puel has started to do. Koeman apparently had no faith in the younger players and denied them game time.

Tony Dove 16Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:45:02

Ray, sounds like Moyes to me!

Joe O'Brien 17Posted
17/11/2016 at
22:55:53

We'll see what good team selection is on Saturday. This match would be perfect for him to give Davies a start since Barry is suspended. If he doesn't, maybe he's not one for giving our young blues and chance.

I'm a fan of Koeman but, if he doesn't give the up-and-coming and obviously talented players a chance, it's a major flaw in my opinion. I really hope it's not the latter.

Chris Gould 18Posted
17/11/2016 at
23:19:58

Ray, I think Koeman's decisions regarding Southampton's kids were vindicated by their finishing place last season.

We all hope that Davies is the real deal, but that doesn't mean he's a better option than McCarthy yet. Koeman and his coaching staff will assess Davies all week training with the first team. If he doesn't make the starting 11 then he probably isn't yet good enough. No matter how much we want him to be.

Jay, I think your team is missing a player.

Mark Wilson 19Posted
18/11/2016 at
00:46:18

Whilst I really hope to see Davies alongside Gana on Saturday, I'd be amazed if it happens, but it would give a very strong reminder to the entire squad about what happens when your part of a truly pathetic performance, aka Chelsea two weeks ago. McCarthy likely to be straight in to replace Barry, despite having had hardly any games so match fitness will be an issue; maybe he will do 65 mins with Davies on after that ?

Bainsey guaranteed return... please. He's had a few Ressy games but don't think he played recently .so match fitness also an issue there, but he's got to be in over Oviedo. Williams and Funes Mori for me but suspect Jags will get the nod despite a less than sparkling 45 mins for England.

But then my final selection isn't happening either...I 'd play Kenny at right back and Coleman in front of him. Crazy? Well it would give us a very solid and organised set up, and Coleman has gradually been getting back to something like (but still not) his best attacking form. Frankly I don't think all three of the other wingers have done enough to make you say "they are a shoe-in".

Yes, Chris, you could put that argument forward; however, when we were first linked with Koeman, I started visiting a Saints fans website because you can, I think, learn a bit about a potential signing by listening to the club's fans.

They didn't want to lose Koeman but the dissenting voices were all along the same lines. No faith in younger players, round peg, square hole in order to avoid playing a younger player he'd play a right back in a left back position first. (Sound familiar?) Southampton have, after all, an Academy to be envied.

I'm comfortable with Koeman at Everton and want him to be given plenty of time to get it right, and I think he will. But I also want him to trust some of our young players.

Gary Edwards 22Posted
18/11/2016 at
12:06:50

Brian (14)...

Dowell has not impressed in the U23s. Based on what I've seen he's lucky to get a game with them, often being pulled. I don't think he has the power and energy to impress Ron.

IMO Charsley has earned the right to a call up to the 1st. team... if you think Davies has energy then Charsley is a Tasmanian devil. I'd also give Robinson a run out at LB â€“ fast, strong, moves quick with the ball at his feet and most important, solid defender.

I'm more excited to see the young 'uns have their opportunities then news that McCarthy and Baines are back as neither are the future and contribute very little to the present... or recent past.

Dave Abrahams 23Posted
18/11/2016 at
14:54:29

Gary Edwards (#22),

I have been watching Dowell since he was 16. I'm afraid I have to agree with you, his energy and work rate are lacking. When he has the ball he can do marvellous things with it, his free kicks and corners are excellent, he can make a telling pass, can't fault him with the above, but he will not go looking for the ball, tackling is very weak and goes missing from the game for long spells. I hinted at all his faults over 18 months ago, without naming him, because of his age, but dear old Harold Mathews was on to me right away, saying who it was, and Harold watched a lot of the young players game.

Unfortunately Keiron hasn't improved any of his faults and until he does he will not improve his chances of furthering his career at Everton. I haven't written this post without thought, it is all meant as constructive criticism; there is definitely a good player in Dowell but he has to put more into his game.

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